From: JAMES THWAITS [jthwaits@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 5:10 PM
To: Patrick Scherden
Subject: TRUSTEE'S REPORT LODGE 78
Fraternal
Order of Police
Maricopa
Lodge 7
STATE
TRUSTEE REPORT
June 13,
2011
Worthy State Officers,
Brothers and sisters,
The past year at
Maricopa Lodge #78 has been productive as to our membership growing and the
City’s willingness to work on the police officers MOU. We have, as of the first
of June a new City Manager and as of a week ago a new City Finance Director. We
were hoping to get our MOU signed and in place before the first of July, but it
will be close.
The officer of our
lodge have yet to meet with the City Counsel and start the negotiations for
police raises, uniform allowances , ect.
However we did sit down with our City HR Director and City Attorney
regarding our MOU draft. After the meeting we felt better about going in front
of the City Counsel than before. We were told that they are considering using a
2009 salary study in which we were told the City has the moneys.
There are some changes
to come in our department some good some not so good. Chief Fitch has been
moved back to Assistant Chief and Chief Melvin is back in a Chief of police.
Our Lodge is still
taking hits from COMPA, however their numbers are getting smaller and some
COMPA members are talking about coming over to the FOP. The MOU and raises will
be a big factor in bring in more officers.
I would like to take
this moment on behalf of Lodge #78 to thank our brothers and sisters at Lodge
#5 for their continuing support, Jim Mann for always being there and the
guidance from the National FOP for their guidance with our MOU and ideas on how
to conduct our negotiations with the City Counsel.
God Bless and see all
of you in Prescott.
James(Jim) Thwaits State Trustee Maricopa
Lodge 78